Former Chicago Bears Scout Predicts A Big Jump From Forgotten Name

If the Chicago Bears defense becomes a more respected entity this season, it will start with the defensive line. That is the engine that drives the machine in Matt Eberflus' 4-3 system. GM Ryan Poles invested lots of resources to bolster the group. DeMarcus Walker and Andrew Billings arrived as free agents. Gervon Dexter (2nd), Zacch Pickens (3rd), and Travis Bell (7th) all arrived via the draft. Nobody can say the Bears haven't given a unit with only 10 sacks and was part of the league's second-worst run defense proper attention.

Still, if improvement is going to happen, it will also have to come from those who are still on the roster from last season. One name that hasn't been talked about much is Justin Jones. The veteran defensive tackle was signed as a backup plan when the Bears' original hopes to land Larry Ogunjobi fell through. Jones was their most consistent performer last year, posting career highs in sacks (3) and QB hits (7). Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to make a difference. Former scout Greg Gabriel expects those numbers to improve this year.

"Jones did not play as anticipated last year when he was signed. Looking back, it was not all his fault. His supporting cast inside was not very good, and if you notice, none were brought back for 2023. Jones has the ability to be disruptive by getting penetration and has better than average pass rush ability. With better players around him this year, he should be much more productive but don't expect him to have much more than five sacks, as he is adequate but not great as a pass rusher. Head Coach Matt Eberflus wants to rotate his defensive line, so the expectation is Jones will play about half the snaps."

The Chicago Bears' trust in Jones remains strong.

Defensive coordinator Alan Williams wouldn't entertain ideas of somebody else playing the three-technique position this season. He made it clear the job still belonged to Jones. He played well enough last year to earn it. Everybody else is battling to be his primary backup. Jones has also emerged as a locker room leader, becoming more vocal about the high standards this team expects. He is still only 26 years old. His best seasons could be just around the corner. The Bears don't need him to be Aaron Donald. Simply disruptive on a consistent basis.

The truth is he remains their best option. Maybe Dexter or Pickens will step up in training camp to challenge him, but the odds don't favor that. It usually takes at least a year for a young defensive tackle to acclimate to the NFL. Until then, the Chicago Bears must continue placing their trust in Jones. That isn't a bad thing. He is a solid player. What they need is for others to step up around him. If that happens, his numbers should improve. Gabriel is correct on that front.